Ladrey Hi-Rise sits at 300 Wythe St in Alexandria, VA, and you'll find that it's an 11-story building with 170 units, run by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, mainly for seniors and people with disabilities who need affordable homes, though the place is going through some big changes right now because the building dates back to the 1970s and doesn't meet modern accessibility rules, so ARHA and Winn Companies have a plan that involves taking down the old tower and putting up a new L-shaped mid-rise with up to 270 units, anywhere from five to seven stories tall, without going higher than the old tower, and those new buildings are supposed to modernize things with better appliances, rooftop and ground-level open spaces, green building standards for NGBS Silver certification, flood protection like elevated entrances, and even underground parking with electric vehicle chargers, plus all those usual touches like wide sidewalks, street trees, and improved pedestrian pathways since you can get to three bus lines and even walk to the Metro.
During all this work, which should start in 2027 and finish up in 2029, the developer is moving the current residents at their expense, promising they can come back at the same rent, and using 168 HUD-approved vouchers to help with relocation, with many folks moving to the nearby Silver Fox building and other options like The Alate, so you'll see ARHA acting to ensure every resident can find a safe place while this is happening, and they're saying new homes will stay affordable, with more mixed-income and workforce housing added alongside the old senior units. There's a strong focus on supporting seniors and residents with disabilities, with services like respite care, personal support, help managing medications, and programs for independent and assisted living, plus dedicated support for memory care if someone has Alzheimer's or dementia, making it possible for people to stay active or get daily help as needed, and there's a DCHS Office in the building, along with community spaces, wellness programs, nutritious food services, and therapy options for those who want to join.
Everything about Ladrey Hi-Rise shows a facility that's rooted in serving older adults and those with disabilities, offering both traditional care and a clear plan to update its structure and systems to meet today's standards, and while all of this means some real disruption for current residents, the promise is that all these efforts will offer better living choices, safer spaces, and a friendlier neighborhood feel, with help from a staff that's often described as kind and helpful, thanks to that Ladrey High-Rise Advisory Board keeping an eye on how things run. The community culture encourages social activity and friendships, and with the upcoming changes, they'll be offering more modern homes to more people, still focused on affordability, safety, and a welcoming environment for seniors and people with disabilities in Alexandria.
